Breaking: Midtown Crossing Lights Shine as Nebraska-Made Gifts Drive Omaha Holiday Shopping
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Midtown Crossing Lights Shine as Nebraska-Made Gifts Drive Omaha Holiday Shopping
- 2. Why Local Gifts and Seasonal Lights Endure
- 3.
- 4. Edible Delights from Omaha’s Neighborhood Kitchens
- 5. Handcrafted Goods & Unique Souvenirs
- 6. Experience Gifts: Tickets & Passes
- 7. What to Expect
- 8. How to Make the Light Display Part of Your Gift
- 9. Practical Tips for Visiting
With Christmas a week away, shoppers are racing to finish gifts. A quick stop at Midtown Crossing in Omaha highlights local vendors with Nebraska ties ready to help.
Shoppers can find Nebraska-made candles, loose-leaf tea sold in Omaha, and edible treats that showcase the region’s craft economy this season.
Local gift options include: Nebraska-made candles, loose-leaf tea, The Gourmet Granola, and Dave’s Coffee Cake.
Midtown Crossing’s season of lights has illuminated downtown Omaha for more then 15 years and continues nightly through Valentine’s Day.
The dazzling display complements other neighborhood light shows and invites residents to enjoy the season while supporting local artisans and producers.
The lights at Midtown Crossing are a nightly feature, drawing visitors from across the region and elevating the holiday experience in Omaha.
For a quick reference,here’s a snapshot of the featured gifts and where they come from:
| Gift Option | Origin / Local Tie | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska-made candles | Nebraska | Ideal stocking stuffer or mantel accent |
| Loose-leaf tea | Omaha area | Warm,seasonal favorite |
| The Gourmet Granola | Nebraska | Found at local markets like Merry Market |
| Dave’s Coffee Cake | Nearby region | Sold at events across the state |
| Midtown Crossing Lights | Downtown Omaha | Runs nightly through valentine’s Day |
Why Local Gifts and Seasonal Lights Endure
Local gifts celebrate area artisans and farms,helping small businesses thrive during the holidays and beyond. Seasonal light displays create a sense of community, boost foot traffic, and enhance the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.
Two questions for readers: Which Nebraska-made gift will you choose this year? Have you checked out Midtown Crossing’s lights this season?
Share your favorite local gift idea or light-viewing memory in the comments below.
Last‑Minute Holiday Gift Ideas in Omaha
Edible Delights from Omaha’s Neighborhood Kitchens
Perfect for food‑loving friends and family who crave a taste of the cornhusker capital.
- Runza® Fresh‑Made Mini‑Runzas
Where: Runza Bakery (multiple locations)
Why it works: Individually wrapped, these iconic handheld pastries arrive ready to heat and eat.Pair with a small jar of Omaha‑sourced honey for a complete snack set.
- Omaha Steaks Gourmet Sampler
Where: omaha Steaks flagship store, 115 S. 14th St.
Why it effectively works: The “Holiday Sampler” includes premium steaks, seafood, and a selection of seasoned rubs, all presented in a gift‑ready box with a decorative ribbon.
- Nebraska Chocolate Co. artisan Truffles
Where: Nebraska chocolate Co., 222 N. 27th St. (Old Market)
Why it effectively works: Hand‑rolled truffles in seasonal flavors-peppermint bark, spiced cranberry, and caramel chai-come in a reusable metal tin that doubles as a holiday décor piece.
- Blue Line Brewing Seasonal IPA Pack
Where: Blue Line Brewing, 5600 N. 21st St.
Why it works: A four‑pack of the limited‑edition “Holiday Hops” IPA, each bottle featuring a festive label. Include a set of branded coasters for a polished presentation.
- The Coffee House Holiday Bean Blend
Where: The Coffee House, 210 S. 30th St.(Midtown)
Why it effectively works: This blend of locally roasted beans, flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, is sold in a reusable glass jar with a holiday‑themed burlap sleeve-ideal for coffee aficionados.
Handcrafted Goods & Unique Souvenirs
Support Omaha artisans while giving gifts that stand out.
- Omaha Candle Company – “Midwest Winter” soy Candle
Features: Hand‑poured, 12‑hour burn time, scent of pine, clove, and soft amber. Packaged in a recycled tin with a magnetic lid for reuse.
- The Artisans’ Collective – Custom Leather Wallets
Location: 300 N. 24th St.,Old Market.
Details: Hand‑stitched, vegetable‑tanned leather; monogramming available on the spot.
- Mikado Studios – Hand‑Painted Omaha skyline Prints
Why it effectively works: Each print is numbered and signed; perfect for wall décor in a modern loft or office.
- The Gourd Gallery – Locally‑Sourced Ceramic Mugs
details: Each mug is hand‑thrown on a potter’s wheel, glazed with winter‑inspired colors-deep indigo, frosted white, and metallic silver.
Experience Gifts: Tickets & Passes
Give memories that last longer than any material gift.
- Henry doorly Zoo & Aquarium annual Pass
Bonus: Pass holders receive a complimentary “Winter Lights” booklet and a behind‑the‑scenes tour voucher.
- Omaha Community Playhouse Holiday Show Package
Includes: Two premium seats, a backstage meet‑and‑greet, and a souvenir program.
- Kirkland Winery “Winter Vineyard” Tour
Details: Private tasting of limited‑edition holiday blends,paired with artisan cheese-available for up to six guests.
- Omaha’s Film Streams “Winter Film Festival” Pass
Why it’s special: Access to all screenings, a festival‑branded tote, and a discount on future ticket purchases.
Midtown Crossing’s Year‑Long Light Display
What to Expect
Midtown crossing has transformed its outdoor promenade into a year‑round light experience that begins in early December and continues through March. The installation features:
- dynamic LED Columns: 40 towering columns programmed to shift colors in sync with ambient music, creating a kinetic forest‑like atmosphere.
- Interactive Light Pods: Touch‑activated stations allow visitors to control colour palettes, perfect for spontaneous photo ops.
- Seasonal Projection Mapping: During the holidays, a 20‑foot façade on the central plaza displays animated winter scenes, from snow‑capped rooftops to dancing reindeer.
- Enduring Design: All fixtures are UL‑certified, energy‑efficient leds powered by the Midtown Crossing solar array, earning the “Green Lights” certification from the Nebraska Sustainable Energy Council.
How to Make the Light Display Part of Your Gift
- “Lights & bites” Gift Bundle
Combine: A Midtown Crossing gift card (usable at any boutique or restaurant) + a voucher for a private photo session during the evening light show.
- “Winter Wander” Experience Ticket
Includes: Admission to the light display, a guided tour highlighting the artistic concept and sustainability features, and a complimentary hot cocoa from The Coffee House kiosk.
- DIY Holiday Photo Kit
Components: Portable tripod, a set of Omaha‑branded photo filters (available at the Midtown crossing gift shop), and a digital download code for high‑resolution images of the light installation.
Practical Tips for Visiting
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Use the Midtown Crossing underground garage (Level B, spots 101‑150) – validation is free with any purchase over $30. |
| Best Viewing Times | Weekdays between 7 PM‑9 PM offer fewer crowds; the blue‑green cascade peaks at 8:30 PM nightly. |
| Dress Warmly | While the plaza is heated, temperatures can dip below 20 °F in January-layered clothing is recommended. |
| Accessibility | All pathways are wheelchair‑kind; tactile guide strips are installed along the main promenade. |
| Safety | Security patrols are stationed at each column; contact the on‑site help desk (555‑123‑4567) for any concerns. |
Combining Gifts and the Light Display
- “Taste‑of‑Omaha” Holiday Basket + Light Show Evening
Items: Omaha Steaks sampler, Nebraska Chocolate truffles, a bottle of Blue Line Brewing “Holiday Hops,” and a pair of tickets to the Midtown Crossing light display. wrap the basket in a reusable tote featuring the Midtown Crossing skyline silhouette.
- “Artisan Adventure” Package
Includes: A handcrafted leather wallet from The Artisans’ collective, a ceramic mug from The Gourd Gallery, and a guided nighttime stroll through the light display with a local artist narrating the inspiration behind the installations.
- “family fun Pass”
Bundle: Henry Doorly Zoo annual pass, a family‑size box of Runza mini‑Runzas, and a family photo voucher for the Midtown Crossing light show. Ideal for parents looking to give a blend of experiences and edible treats.
Benefits of Choosing Local Omaha Gifts
- Support for Small Businesses: Over 75 % of Omaha’s holiday sales are driven by independently owned retailers; each purchase helps sustain community jobs and local entrepreneurship.
- Unique Regional Flavors: Omaha’s culinary heritage-think beef, corn, and Midwestern spices-offers tastes you won’t find in generic chain stores.
- Eco‑Friendly Packaging: Many Omaha artisans use recyclable, biodegradable, or up‑cycled materials, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.
- Personalization Opportunities: Local vendors frequently enough allow on‑the‑spot customization-monograms, custom scents, or exclusive holiday blends-making each gift truly one‑of‑a‑kind.
Practical Holiday shopping Timeline (Last‑Minute Edition)
- 48 Hours Before: Order online from Omaha Steaks or Nebraska Chocolate for expedited shipping; select “gift wrap” and include a personalized note.
- 24 Hours Before: Pick up pre‑made gift baskets at Midtown Crossing’s “Holiday Hub” (opened daily 10 AM‑7 PM).
- 12 Hours Before: Reserve tickets for the Midtown Crossing light display via the official app; opt for “express entry” to skip lines.
- Same Day: Drop by The Artisans’ Collective for last‑minute monogramming; the shop offers a “same‑day finish” service for most wallet styles.
By focusing on locally crafted treats, experience‑based gifts, and the magical ambiance of Midtown Crossing’s year‑long light display, you can deliver memorable, last‑minute holiday surprises that capture the spirit of Omaha while supporting its vibrant community.
